How to Store Your ATV or Motorcycle for the Winter Season

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Winter in Tennessee doesn’t bring heavy snowstorms every day, but it still brings colder mornings, damp air, and long stretches where riding slows down. December signals the shift from open-trail weekends to maintenance mode, and riders across Memphis start preparing their vehicles for hibernation. This seasonal change also makes winter one of the most searched periods for storage guidance.

Whether you commute on two wheels, explore the backwoods on an ATV, or recently picked up one of the used powersports vehicles for sale in your area, storing your vehicle correctly now ensures a smoother start when spring finally warms up. Local riders often rely on Motonation of Memphis, a trusted powersports dealer, for reliable seasonal tips and professional service support.

1. Give Your Vehicle a Good Cleaning

Winter storage starts with a thorough wash. Dirt, mud, road salt, and debris can corrode metal when left sitting for months. Clean the body, wheels, undercarriage, and chain (if you’re storing a motorcycle). Once cleaned, dry the vehicle fully. Moisture left behind may cause rust or electrical problems over time.

If you recently purchased an ATV for sale and it still has that showroom shine, the time you spend cleaning now will help keep it looking new once spring riding comes back around.

2. Protect the Fuel System

Fuel left sitting for long periods can break down, causing hard starts, clogged injectors, or carburetor issues. Before storing your ATV or motorcycle, fill the gas tank completely and add a quality fuel stabilizer. A full tank leaves no room for moisture to form. After adding stabilizer, run the engine for a few minutes so the treated fuel circulates through the system.

This small step can save you from expensive repairs once warm weather returns - especially if you haven’t ridden regularly this season.

3. Change the Oil Before Storing

Old oil contains contaminants that settle inside your engine when the vehicle remains unused. Changing the oil before storing your vehicle ensures clean lubrication for both winter and your first ride back in spring.

If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, your local powersports service department can take care of it quickly. Many riders choose to handle oil changes, filter replacements, and quick inspections at the same time so the vehicle is ready to go when needed.

4. Maintain the Battery During Cold Months

Cold temperatures drain battery power quickly, especially when the vehicle isn’t in use. If your ATV or motorcycle will sit for more than a few weeks, disconnect the battery and connect it to a trickle charger or battery maintainer. This keeps the battery healthy and prevents the frustration of a dead start in the spring.

If your vehicle is older or you picked it up from a Motorcycles for sale listing and aren’t sure about battery age, consider having it tested before storing.

5. Protect Tires and Suspension

Vehicles that sit for too long can develop tire flat spots. During winter:

Maintain proper tire pressure
Move the vehicle slightly every few weeks
Use a motorcycle stand if available

For ATVs, simply shifting the vehicle’s position occasionally keeps the tires in good shape.

6. Keep It Covered and Indoors

Indoor storage provides the best protection. Garages, sheds, or covered spaces keep your vehicles away from frost, wind, and moisture. If outdoor storage is your only option, use a breathable, weather-resistant cover that fits snugly to avoid trapped moisture.

If your vehicle uses an internal combustion engine, proper winter storage becomes even more important because temperature swings can affect fuel quality, engine oil, and mechanical components.

7. Your Spring Checklist Starts Now

Proper winter storage makes spring prep simple. When warmer days return:

Reconnect the battery
Check tire pressure
Top off fluids
Perform a quick inspection

If you’ve stored your vehicle correctly, the first ride of the season should be smooth and trouble-free.

Final Thoughts

Winter isn’t downtime — it’s your chance to protect and extend the life of your ATV or motorcycle. With the right steps, your vehicle stays clean, safe, and ready for spring. And if you need seasonal maintenance, replacement parts, or want to upgrade from your current ride, Motonation of Memphis offers everything from used powersports vehicles for sale to expert winter prep support.